Balochistan launches first ‘Jinnah People’s Train’ service in Quetta

QUETTA: Balochistan’s first Jinnah People’s Train service was launched in Quetta on Friday, connecting Kachlak with Sariab through a 32-kilometre upgraded railway track.

Railways Minister Muhammad Hanif Abbasi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti inaugurated the service at Quetta Railway Station.

The track’s upgradation was completed within 120 days at a cost of around Rs3 billion, according to officials.

The train will operate daily between Kachlak and Sariab, stopping at seven stations along the route — Kachlak, Bileli, Sheikh Manda, GOR Halt, Quetta, Lor Kariz Halt and Sariab.

Stations upgraded

The project also included the construction, renovation and upgradation of several railway stations along the route.

New turntables were installed at Kachlak and Sariab stations, while improvement works were carried out at Sheikh Manda Station.

Bileli Station was reconstructed and upgraded, while GOR Halt was rebuilt and equipped with solar power, electricity facilities and new seating for passengers.

Development work was also completed at Quetta and Lor Kariz stations.

Coaches built in Islamabad

The coaches for the Jinnah People’s Train were manufactured at Pakistan Railways’ Carriage Factory in Islamabad over a period of four months.

Officials said the service would provide safe, comfortable and affordable transport to students, employees, businesspeople, women, children, labourers and other citizens travelling between Quetta and its surrounding areas.

Service may be extended

Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said the provincial government was considering expanding the train service in the future.

He said efforts would be made to extend the service from Kachlak towards the Bostan Industrial Zone and Mastung and increase the number of trains operating on the route.

The provincial government said the Jinnah People’s Train would provide an alternative mode of daily transport for residents travelling between Quetta and its suburbs, helping reduce travel difficulties, time and costs.

The launch marks the beginning of Balochistan’s first mass transit train service and a new chapter in public transport connectivity for Quetta and its surrounding areas.